IHCL signs 250-key Taj Hotel in Guwahati, marking brand’s debut in Assam’s capital

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March 14, 2026

IHCL signs 250-key Taj Hotel in Guwahati, marking brand’s debut in Assam’s capital — Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Guwahati, thereby marking the debut of the luxury hospitality brand in Assam’s capital city. The agreement took place in the presence of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighting the importance of the project for the region’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The upcoming development will introduce a 250-key Taj hotel through a combination of renovation and expansion. As part of the plan, the project will comprehensively renovate and reposition an existing property with 150 keys while also adding 100 new rooms to enhance the overall inventory.

Puneet Chhatwal, managing director & chief executive officer, IHCL, said, “The development of the Taj hotel in Guwahati reflects our confidence in Assam’s economic momentum and Guwahati’s position as the commercial and cultural gateway to the Northeast. As demand in the region continues to evolve, the introduction of Taj will play a pivotal role in strengthening the city’s hospitality ecosystem while supporting its growth as a centre for business and tourism.”

Meanwhile, developers will construct the hotel on an expanded land parcel of more than nine acres in the heart of Guwahati. The urban retreat will deliver a hospitality experience inspired by the culture and spirit of Assam. Moreover, the property will feature several specialty restaurants along with expansive banqueting and meeting spaces designed to host both social gatherings and corporate events.

In addition, the hotel will house the brand’s signature J Wellness Circle, offering wellness and rejuvenation experiences for guests. As a result, the property will cater to both business and leisure travellers visiting the city.

The signing of the Taj Hotel in Guwahati reflects IHCL’s continued expansion strategy across emerging markets in India. Furthermore, the project will boost the region’s hospitality infrastructure while supporting Guwahati’s growing role as a key gateway for business, culture, and tourism in Northeast India.

Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 to Spotlight Trust, Perception, and Brand Leadership in India’s Evolving Consumer Economy

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March 13, 2026

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As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest consumer market by 2027, the rules of brand leadership are rapidly evolving. In today’s hyper-connected marketplace, perception has become one of the most powerful drivers of brand performance, shaping how consumers discover, evaluate, and ultimately choose the brands they trust.

According to the Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, nearly 81% of purchase decisions in India are influenced by perception, while digital platforms now impact close to 90% of urban consumer purchase journeys. Research from Kantar BrandZ further highlights that brands strong in meaning, difference, and salience deliver three times stronger brand power and greater pricing advantage, reinforcing the growing importance of trust-led brand building.

Against this backdrop, Team Marksmen Network will host the 6th Annual Edition of Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 on 13 March 2026 at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai. The platform will bring together senior brand leaders, marketing strategists, and industry thinkers to explore how organisations can build credibility, shape perception, and sustain consumer trust in an increasingly dynamic environment.

The evening will open with a Power Keynote by Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, who will speak on “The Perception Advantage: Turning Meaning Into Market Leadership,” offering insights on how brands can translate emotional connection, cultural relevance, and consumer understanding into competitive advantage.

The event will also feature a panel discussion titled “Reputation, Relevance & Reinvention – The New Rules of Consumer Perception,” bringing together leading marketing leaders including Kapil Grover, CMO, Restaurant Brands Asia; Abhishek Kumar Srivastava, Vice President Marketing (CMO), Piramal Consumer Health; Deepak Oram, SVP – Growth Marketing & Martech, HDFC Bank; and Gaurangi Desai Mehra, Director – Marketing & Communications, APAR Industries. The discussion will be moderated by Amiya Swarup, Partner – Marketing Consulting, EY, and will explore how brands can navigate culture, community influence, and rising consumer expectations while maintaining authenticity.

A special address will be delivered by Shri Kripashankar Singh, Former Minister of State for Home Affairs, Maharashtra and Vice President of BJP, who will share perspectives on leadership, trust, and the evolving relationship between organisations and society.

A key highlight of the evening will be the felicitation of organisations recognised as the Most Trusted Brands of India 2026, celebrating companies that have demonstrated sustained commitment to credibility, consumer trust, and responsible brand leadership.

The platform is supported by Business Standard as the Media Partner and India Today as the Telecast Partner, ensuring strong national visibility and industry reach.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve and trust becomes the defining currency of brand success, Most Trusted Brands of India 2026 aims to bring together leaders who are shaping perception with clarity, credibility, and purpose, reinforcing trust as the ultimate measure of brand excellence in India’s rapidly expanding consumer economy.

Radisson Hotel Group expands India footprint with four new Park Inn & Suites Hotels

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March 13, 2026

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Radisson Hotel Group has signed agreements for four new Park Inn & Suites by Radisson hotels in Roorkee; Meerut; Asansol in West Bengal; and Airoli in Navi Mumbai, and the company continues to expand its midscale presence across India’s emerging growth corridors. At the same time, the expansion highlights the group’s strategy to strengthen its presence in developing markets that are witnessing rising economic and tourism activity.

The company is responding to growing demand from education hubs, industrial clusters, and developing business districts; therefore, the latest signings highlight its expansion into cities that still have limited access to branded hospitality options. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson serves as the company’s India-focused midscale brand, and it specifically targets fast-growing cities that require reliable and internationally recognized hotel services.

Roorkee in Uttarakhand continues to attract steady visitor demand because the city hosts prominent institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and maintains a strong manufacturing base. Consequently, the city sees consistent travel activity from academic visitors, industrial professionals, weddings, and social events. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Roorkee, will open in Q2 2027 on NH-344, and the property will include multiple dining options, a rooftop specialty restaurant, and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces that will serve business travelers as well as leisure and social gatherings.

Meerut in Uttar Pradesh plays a significant role as an industrial and commercial hub in western Uttar Pradesh, and the city also forms part of the National Capital Region. The region continues to experience strong growth across manufacturing, handicrafts, and defense-related industries, and this economic expansion has increased demand for hospitality services. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Meerut, will open in Q1 2029 on National Highway-58, and the hotel will feature contemporary guest rooms, dining outlets, meeting facilities, and an outdoor lawn designed for business events, weddings, and social gatherings.

Asansol in West Bengal serves as one of the state’s major industrial centers, and the city relies heavily on coal mining and steel production while also hosting operations linked to Eastern Coalfields Limited. Moreover, the city benefits from wedding tourism and religious travel associated with the Kalyaneshwari Temple and the Ghagar Buri Chandi Temple. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asansol will open in Q1 2029 along the Delhi–Kolkata Highway, and the 75-key property will include modern rooms, all-day dining, a rooftop bar, meeting spaces, a gym, and a swimming pool designed for business travelers, leisure guests, and social events.

Meanwhile, Airoli in Navi Mumbai is rapidly evolving as a commercial extension of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and the district continues to attract corporate offices, multinational companies, and premium commercial developments. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Navi Mumbai (Airoli), will open in Q3 2028 on Airoli Road near Digha railway station, and the property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and meeting facilities designed for corporate travelers, MICE events, leisure visitors, and short-stay guests.

“India’s travel growth is increasingly being driven by emerging cities that bring together education ecosystems, industrial development, social infrastructure, and expanding corporate activity. Many of these markets, however, remain underserved by quality branded hospitality despite strong and sustainable demand fundamentals. Our latest Park Inn & Suites by Radisson signings reflect a deliberate and long-term strategy to address this gap by introducing a trusted, internationally recognised midscale brand to cities where demand spans business, leisure, and large social events. Together, these developments strengthen our presence across India’s next generation of growth corridors while reinforcing our commitment to delivering consistency, value, and reliability across diverse travel needs,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, also emphasized the strategic value of the new developments. “Roorkee, Meerut, Asansol, and Navi Mumbai each represent distinct demand profiles, yet share a common theme of strong fundamentals combined with limited branded supply. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson is ideally suited for such markets, offering a flexible development model and the right balance of rooms, dining, and event infrastructure. These signings reinforce our focus on early entry, first-mover advantage, and long-term value creation. The four signings are aligned to our strategy of expanding across market tiers through suitable brand offerings from midscale to luxury with respect to opportunity profile and demand-supply dynamics.”

Owners associated with the projects also expressed strong confidence in the developments and the cities’ hospitality potential.

“Roorkee has seen sustained growth driven by its academic institutions, industrial base, and high-volume social and religious events, creating consistent demand for quality accommodation. Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group enables us to bring a globally recognised brand to the city that matches its evolving profile and rising expectations. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson will introduce international service standards and purpose-built facilities that cater effectively to business travelers, families, and large social gatherings,” said Yudhveer Singh.

“Meerut is an economically vibrant city with strong industrial activity and a well-established social events market, yet access to branded hospitality has remained limited. The introduction of Park Inn & Suites by Radisson represents a significant step forward in addressing this gap. The hotel is well positioned to redefine the city’s midscale offering while catering to a broad mix of business travel, weddings, and leisure demand,” said Siddharth Goel.

“Asansol’s strong industrial base, strategic connectivity and growing social events market have created sustained demand for quality branded hospitality, yet the city has remained largely underserved. Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group allows us to introduce the first internationally recognised midscale hotel to the market, bringing global service standards and purpose-built facilities to the region. Park Inn & Suites by Radisson, Asansol, is designed to cater to business travelers, families, and large social gatherings while supporting the city’s long-term economic and social growth,” said Sanjay Singh.

“Navi Mumbai’s rapid evolution as a corporate and commercial hub has created sustained demand for reliable, well-located branded hotels. Airoli, in particular, has emerged as a key business district attracting large multinational occupiers. This development, in collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group, is designed to meet the needs of today’s business and MICE travellers while complementing the area’s expanding office ecosystem and long-term growth trajectory,” said Sandarsh Shetty.

The new hotel signings in Roorkee, Meerut, Asansol, and Navi Mumbai demonstrate the company’s commitment to bridging the gap in branded midscale hospitality while supporting business travel, tourism growth, and large social events in rapidly developing regions.

Flipkart Minutes and Amazon now rapidly expand dark stores as quick commerce competition intensifies in India

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March 13, 2026

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Flipkart and Amazon are rapidly expanding their dark stores across India, while early quick commerce pioneers are slowing their growth to focus on profitability. At the same time, industry discussions around last-mile employment conditions continue to intensify, which adds another layer of complexity to the sector’s rapid expansion.

Flipkart, the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, launched its quick commerce service, Minutes, in August 2024. Since then, the company has aggressively scaled its infrastructure to capture a larger share of India’s fast-growing instant delivery market.

Sources indicate the company has been adding roughly 100 dark stores per month this year, and it plans to reach around 1,200 stores by June, up from 750–800 currently. Meanwhile, Minutes already operates in 70–75 cities; however, the company aims to expand its presence to 220–250 cities by June, which highlights its aggressive growth strategy.

At the same time, Amazon has also accelerated the rollout of its Amazon Now quick commerce service since December. Consequently, Amazon Now is expected to reach approximately 500 dark stores in the near future as the company strengthens its last-mile delivery capabilities in India.

Meanwhile, Reliance JioMart is pursuing a different strategy to compete in the quick commerce market. Instead of building new dark stores, the company is leveraging its existing retail network to fulfill orders more efficiently. As a result, the company currently handles nearly 1.6 million orders daily, which brings it close to Blinkit’s 2 million daily orders and places it ahead of Swiggy Instamart and Zepto in daily order volume.

By utilizing its established supply chain strength—particularly in fruits and vegetables—Reliance claims contribution-margin positivity. In other words, the company earns money on each order after accounting for direct operational costs.

Meanwhile, other quick commerce players are actively seeking significant funding to sustain competition and growth. Swiggy and Zepto, for instance, are pursuing ₹215,000 crore from public markets as they prepare to scale operations while improving financial sustainability.

At the same time, quick commerce platforms are expanding beyond grocery deliveries to capture higher-margin product categories. Flipkart Minutes, for example, has started delivering mobiles and electronics within 15–20 minutes, which signals a major shift in the sector’s product mix.

Moreover, non-grocery items now contribute nearly 20% of average sales across quick commerce platforms. Because these products often carry higher margins, they offer companies a stronger path toward profitability.

Therefore, analysts believe that expanding into electronics and other high-value products could significantly improve margins while enabling platforms to scale their operations more efficiently in India’s competitive quick commerce landscape.

Flipkart and Amazon are aggressively scaling their dark-store infrastructure to dominate India’s rapidly evolving quick commerce market. Meanwhile, competitors are focusing on profitability, funding, and diversified product offerings. As companies expand into high-margin categories like electronics and strengthen supply chains, the sector will likely witness even fiercer competition and faster innovation in the coming years.

AI startup Rox hits $1.2 Bn valuation to expand autonomous AI sales agents

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March 13, 2026

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AI startup Rox hits $1.2 Bn valuation to expand autonomous AI sales agents — Ishan Mukherjee, Founder, Rox

AI startup Rox, which develops autonomous AI agents to improve sales productivity, has secured a new funding round that values the company at $1.2 billion, according to multiple sources. As a result, the startup has entered the unicorn club while strengthening its position in the rapidly expanding AI-driven sales technology market.

Moreover, the funding round included a lead investment from returning backer General Catalyst, according to two people familiar with the development. However, Rox and General Catalyst did not respond to requests for comment regarding the investment.

At the time of the fundraise, which closed last year, Rox projected that it would end 2025 with $8 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), according to two sources familiar with the deal. Consequently, the company has continued to scale its operations while expanding its product capabilities.

Earlier, in November 2024, Rox announced that it had raised a total of $50 million across multiple funding rounds. The funding included a seed round led by Sequoia Capital and a Series A round led by General Catalyst, while GV also participated in the investment.

Ishan Mukherjee founded Rox in 2024 after previously serving as the chief growth officer of New Relic. Notably, Mukherjee joined New Relic after the company acquired Pixie Labs, a company he co-founded.

Furthermore, the startup positions itself as an intelligent revenue operating system that integrates with a company’s existing software tools, including platforms such as Salesforce and Zendesk. Through this integration, Rox deploys hundreds of AI agents that continuously support sales teams.

These AI agents monitor existing customer accounts, research potential prospects, and update CRM systems automatically. Therefore, Rox aims to consolidate several fragmented sales tools into one streamlined solution, allowing businesses to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on multiple software platforms.

“Rox’s unique system of AI agents levels up the CRM experience,” Dave Munichiello wrote in a 2024 blog post while announcing the Series A round. “These agents work constantly behind the scenes to monitor customer activity, identify potential risks and opportunities, and even suggest the best course of action.”

At the same time, Rox faces competition from multiple segments of the sales technology market. Established revenue intelligence companies such as Gong and Clari compete in the same space, while AI sales development platforms including 11x and Artisan also target similar enterprise customers.

Additionally, a growing number of AI-native CRM platforms continue to enter the market. For example, Monaco, founded by Sam Blond, the former president of corporate spending platform Brex, launched out of stealth last month.

Meanwhile, Rox has already attracted several well-known enterprise customers. According to the company’s website, its client base includes companies such as Ramp, MongoDB, and New Relic.

Rox’s latest funding round and $1.2 billion valuation highlight growing investor confidence in AI-powered sales automation platforms. As businesses increasingly adopt AI-driven tools to streamline revenue operations, Rox aims to strengthen its position by deploying autonomous AI agents that improve efficiency, enhance CRM insights, and transform how sales teams manage customer relationships.

Accel Leaders Fund eyes Rapido’s $600M funding round to boost India mobility expansion

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March 13, 2026

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Accel Leaders Fund eyes Rapido’s $600M funding round to boost India mobility expansion — Pavan Guntupalli, Aravind Sanka, and Rishikesh SR, co-founders, Rapido

Accel Leaders Fund is likely to participate in the ongoing USD 550 million–USD 600 million funding round of ride-hailing platform Rapido, according to people familiar with the development. Consequently, the potential investment could bring another global investor to Rapido’s cap table as the company seeks fresh capital to expand its mobility services and strengthen its presence in India’s competitive ride-hailing market.

Furthermore, the Accel-backed growth-stage vehicle typically invests in late-stage rounds of high-growth startups. Therefore, the fund often supports companies as they scale operations and prepare for larger institutional funding or potential public listings.

Meanwhile, Rapido, founded by Pavan Guntupalli, Aravind Sanka, and Rishikesh SR, initially built its business around bike-taxi services. Over time, the company expanded into auto-rickshaw and cab bookings, and as a result, it positioned itself as a strong competitor to larger ride-hailing platforms operating across India.

In addition, the company has explored adjacent services, including logistics and food delivery pilots in select cities. Through these initiatives, Rapido aims to evolve into a broader urban mobility and services platform that serves multiple transportation and convenience needs.

At the same time, Rapido has attracted backing from several prominent investors, including Prosus, WestBridge Capital, Nexus Venture Partners, and Shell Ventures.

Moreover, the proposed funding round highlights continued investor interest in India’s mobility sector. The sector is experiencing rapid expansion due to urbanisation, rising smartphone penetration, and increasing demand for affordable transport solutions.

However, details regarding the valuation of the round and the final investor mix were not immediately available.

Rapido’s ongoing funding round underscores strong investor confidence in India’s fast-growing mobility ecosystem. If Accel Leaders Fund joins the round, the investment could accelerate Rapido’s expansion strategy while strengthening its position in the increasingly competitive ride-hailing market.

Anthropic invests $100 Million into Claude AI program to expand enterprise AI ecosystem

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March 13, 2026

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Anthropic invests $100 Million into Claude AI program to expand enterprise AI ecosystem — Daniela Amodei & Dario Amodei, co-founders, Anthropic

Artificial intelligence lab Anthropic launched the Claude Partner Network, a program that enables partner firms to help enterprises adopt its Claude AI model. The initiative arrives as the company continues a dispute with the United States Department of Defense.

Through this program, Anthropic plans to collaborate closely with partner organizations so they can integrate and deploy the Claude AI model for enterprise clients more effectively. Consequently, the company aims to strengthen its enterprise ecosystem while expanding the practical use of its AI technologies.

Moreover, Anthropic has committed an initial $100 million for 2026 to support the partner network. The funding will provide training, technical support, and joint market development opportunities for participating organizations. In addition, the company indicated that it expects to increase this investment over time as the program grows.

Starting Thursday, partners that join the network will receive immediate access to a new technical certification program. Furthermore, eligible partners will gain access to investment opportunities under the initiative, which will help them scale AI deployment for enterprise customers.

At the same time, Anthropic plans to significantly strengthen its partner ecosystem by expanding its partner-focused team fivefold. The expansion will include hiring applied AI engineers, technical architects, and professionals dedicated to localized go-to-market support across international markets. As a result, the company expects to improve implementation support and accelerate global adoption of its AI solutions.

Importantly, membership in the Claude Partner Network will remain free. The program will stay open to any organization involved in bringing Claude to market, thereby encouraging a broader ecosystem of technology partners, consultants, and system integrators.

Through this initiative, Anthropic aims to position its Claude AI platform as a central enterprise solution while enabling partners to build, deploy, and scale AI-powered applications worldwide.

Anthropic’s launch of the Claude Partner Network signals a major push to expand the enterprise adoption of Claude AI. By committing significant funding, strengthening its technical partner team, and offering free membership to organizations globally, the company is building a collaborative ecosystem designed to accelerate AI implementation across industries.

Zomato parent Eternal infuses Rs 450-Cr into Blinkit via rights issue

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March 12, 2026

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Eternal, the parent company of Blinkit, has infused Rs 450 crore into its quick commerce subsidiary through a rights issue, reinforcing its financial support for the rapid-delivery business as competition intensifies in the sector. According to regulatory filings sourced via The Kredible, Blinkit’s board approved the allotment of 2,799 equity shares to Eternal at an issue price of Rs 16,07,161 per share, thereby raising fresh capital of Rs 450 crore.

This investment marks the first capital infusion into Blinkit in 2026. Previously, Eternal injected significant funds into the quick commerce unit during 2025 as it accelerated expansion plans. The company invested Rs 500 crore in January, followed by Rs 1,500 crore in February and Rs 600 crore in November, bringing the total investment in the subsidiary last year to Rs 2,600 crore.

The latest funding will primarily support Blinkit’s expansion strategy. Specifically, the company plans to increase the number of dark stores, strengthen working capital, and manage operational expenses while scaling its rapid delivery network across additional Indian cities.

Meanwhile, competition in India’s quick commerce sector continues to intensify as rivals secure large funding rounds to expand their market presence. For instance, Zepto raised $450 million in October last year in a round led by California Public Employees’ Retirement System. Similarly, Swiggy raised around Rs 10,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement in December to strengthen investments in its quick commerce division, Instamart.

Despite remaining in an investment phase, Blinkit’s business performance continues to show strong growth. In the December quarter (Q3FY25), the company recorded revenue of Rs 1,399 crore, reflecting a 117 percent year-on-year increase from Rs 644 crore in the same quarter last year. Additionally, this figure exceeded the Rs 1,156 crore reported in the previous quarter.

However, profitability challenges persist as the company expands its operations. Blinkit reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of Rs 103 crore in Q3FY25, compared with a loss of Rs 89 crore during the same period last year and Rs 8 crore in the previous quarter.

At the same time, demand for rapid delivery services continues to rise. Blinkit’s gross order value (GOV) reached Rs 7,798 crore in the December quarter, compared with Rs 3,542 crore in Q3FY24 and Rs 6,132 crore in the preceding quarter, demonstrating strong momentum in customer orders.

The latest capital infusion also arrives months after leadership changes within the company. Albinder Dhindsa recently assumed the role of Group CEO of Eternal, while Deepinder Goyal stepped down from the position earlier this year. Consequently, the move underscores the growing strategic significance of quick commerce within the group’s broader business operations.

Eternal’s continued investment in Blinkit reflects its commitment to strengthening its quick commerce strategy amid rising industry competition. By expanding infrastructure, scaling dark stores, and supporting operational growth, the company aims to capture increasing consumer demand for ultra-fast deliveries. As competition from major players intensifies, Blinkit’s growth trajectory and sustained funding support will remain crucial in shaping the future dynamics of India’s rapidly evolving quick commerce market.

Razorpay builds AI payment agents with Claude to automate payments

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March 12, 2026

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Razorpay has announced the development of AI-powered payment agents built using Claude, marking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into digital payment operations. The company revealed that these intelligent agents can automate routine financial tasks such as recovering abandoned purchases, retrying failed subscription payments, resolving disputes, and forecasting cash flows.

Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader transformation in the payments industry toward agentic commerce, where AI systems actively perform financial and operational tasks on behalf of businesses. As a result, payment companies are increasingly exploring ways to allow customers to complete transactions directly through AI assistants and conversational interfaces.

Several players across the payments ecosystem are also moving in this direction. Payment aggregators such as Cashfree and global card networks Visa and Mastercard, as well as merchant processors including PayU and Pine Labs, are working with advanced AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Claude to enable similar capabilities.

Razorpay integrated these AI agents through Anthropic’s Claude agent software development kit, enabling businesses to deploy intelligent systems that interact directly with customers. For example, the AI agents help merchants recover lost sales by contacting shoppers who abandon their online carts. The agents can send a message or voice notification to ask why the purchase remained incomplete and then offer reminders or small incentives to encourage customers to finish the transaction.

In addition, the fintech company has launched an agentic experience platform, which introduces an AI-native layer designed to simplify the way online businesses onboard to Razorpay, integrate payment infrastructure into their applications, and manage payment workflows more efficiently.

“Businesses don’t just need more software anymore, they need intelligence that can act,” Harshil Mathur, chief executive of Razorpay, said in the statement.

Moreover, the company stated that businesses can use these tools to create their own customized AI agents through simple language-based commands. These agents can integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as Shopify and logistics platforms like Shiprocket, while also connecting with messaging services such as WhatsApp.

Irina Ghose, managing director, India at Anthropic, said, “Razorpay’s work with Claude shows how AI agents can recover revenue, resolve disputes, and predict cash flow. It’s a great example of what AI can do when it is built into business operations.”

At the same time, Razorpay is experimenting with AI-led in-app commerce experiences across several consumer platforms. The company is currently testing these capabilities with partners including Zomato, Swiggy, PVR INOX, and Vodafone Idea.

Through these experiments, customers can discover products, evaluate options, and complete payments within the same AI-powered conversation. Consequently, the approach could significantly streamline digital commerce by reducing the steps required to finalize transactions.

Razorpay’s move to build AI-powered payment agents highlights the rapid evolution of fintech toward intelligent, automated commerce systems. By integrating conversational AI directly into payment operations, the company aims to help businesses recover lost revenue, simplify financial management, and enhance customer engagement. As AI-driven commerce gains traction across the payments ecosystem, innovations like these could reshape how businesses and consumers interact with digital transactions.

Entrepreneurs First raises $200M to back global startups

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March 12, 2026

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Entrepreneurs First has secured USD 200 million in fresh funding from a group of leading technology founders and investors to strengthen its mission of building the next generation of global startups while expanding its founder development programmes.

The funding round attracted participation from prominent technology leaders, including Reid Hoffman, Eric Schmidt, John Collison, and Patrick Collison. In addition, institutional investors such as Greylock also joined the round, highlighting strong confidence in the firm’s talent-first investment approach.

Entrepreneurs First operates a unique model that prioritizes talent before ideas. The firm identifies individuals with exceptional technical or entrepreneurial potential and then supports them in forming companies from the ground up through structured programmes and early-stage investment capital.

As a result of this strategy, the company has built a rapidly expanding global startup portfolio. Currently, the combined valuation of EF-backed startups exceeds USD 16 billion, a sharp rise from USD 3 billion in 2021, according to the company.

“We have raised this capital to double down on what we do best: identifying extraordinary individuals early and helping them build outlier companies from scratch,” said Alice Bentinck.

Bentinck co-founded Entrepreneurs First alongside Matt Clifford. Together, they established company-building programmes across Europe, India, and the United States, where EF selects participants from top academic institutions such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California Berkeley.

In India, the organisation operates its programme from Bengaluru under the leadership of Rahul Samat. The initiative focuses on identifying early-stage technical founders and guiding them as they build companies from the idea stage to their first funding round.

Participants frequently enter the programme without a co-founder or even a defined startup concept. However, EF provides structured support in areas such as product development, team formation, and fundraising, enabling founders to transform early concepts into scalable businesses.

Currently, EF India manages a portfolio of more than 50 startups, including companies like Unbox Robotics, Unsiloed AI, Sidecar AI, and Aule Space. Many of these startups have successfully secured follow-on funding from major venture capital firms such as Nexus Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, SOSV, and Pi Ventures.

Since 2024, Entrepreneurs First has relocated all pre-seed-funded startups to the San Francisco Bay Area before their seed rounds. The company implemented this strategy to accelerate fundraising opportunities and improve access to global markets.

According to EF, this shift has already produced measurable results. The average time required for founders to raise funding has reduced significantly, while startup valuations have doubled.

“India continues to be one of the deepest pools of technical and entrepreneurial talent in the world,” Samat said, adding that the new capital will help the firm identify more early-stage founders and support them in building globally competitive startups.

The USD 200 million funding round strengthens Entrepreneurs First’s position as a leading global company builder focused on talent-driven innovation. By identifying promising individuals at an early stage and guiding them through structured startup development, the firm continues to create high-growth companies across global markets. Moreover, with strong investor backing and an expanding presence in India, the organisation is well positioned to nurture the next wave of globally competitive founders.

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